Vitiligo is considered an intractable disease and requires an integrated approach. One of the ways of treatment is the use of medications.

Treatment of the disease is based on the use of therapeutic agents, improving the processes of metabolism, in particular – the exchange of melanin. Usually, drug therapy is accompanied by physiotherapy measures – irradiation of the areas of vitiligo damage with ultraviolet rays. This combination enhances the therapeutic effect. In the pharmacy network, there are preparations for the treatment of vitiligo. For example, photosensitizing agents.

Ammifurin

This drug belongs to the group of photosensitizing agents and promotes the recovery of skin pigment. The action of ammifurin is based on the property of the incoming components of furocoumarins to increase the sensitivity of the tissue to light, which promotes the formation of melanin in the skin.

In the treatment of vitiligo this drug is used together with the ultraviolet irradiation. Ammifurin is ingested (tablets) and topically (solution). The course of treatment requires 4 to 6 cycles on average for 12-20 days. A break of 2-3 weeks is required for each cycle. For one cycle, there are 10 to 20 rubs of the drug and the same amount of radiation.

For children older than 5 years, the dose of the drug is half or a quarter of the adult standard, according to age. Irradiation with ultraviolet begins from 1 minute and gradually increases to 12 minutes. During the summer period, the regimen of ammifurin was changed. Treatment is carried out under the supervision of a specialist. Patients may experience palpitations, headache, nausea and other side effects.

Psoralen

They are released in the form of tablets and a solution for topical application. A plant-based preparation with a photosensitizing action. Has a restorative effect of damage to skin pigmentation in vitiligo. Apply tablets and lubrication of depigmented skin areas with 0.1% solution. After 2-3 hours, irradiate the lamp. The duration of treatment of vitiligo is 3-4 months.

Psoralen is contraindicated in cases of excessive sensitivity, liver, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, hypertension, diabetes, pregnancy, cataract, during breastfeeding, people over 60 and under five years. During the period of taking the drug, the patient may experience:

• dizziness and headache;
• nausea;
• dyspepsia;
• palpitation.

In case of an overdose of ultraviolet irradiation, acute dermatitis is possible. The best effect of treatment of vitiligo Psoralen is achieved with timely treatment, as well as in young people, in brunettes and patients prone to sunburn.

To treat the disease, also used drugs for the treatment of vitiligo – Oxsoralen and Melanin.

Oxsoralen

The active substance of this drug is metaxalone. It belongs to the group of dermatotropic drugs. Available in the form of capsules with liquid. It is used in the treatment of vitiligo as a photosensitizing drug in PUVA. Take 2 hours before irradiation, with milk or with lean food. Oxsoralen is contraindicated in blood diseases, with excessive sensitivity, pregnant, with diabetes, children under 12, with tumours, etc. The course of treatment is from 2 to 8 weeks.

Melagenin

This dermatotropic agent is an alcohol solution of the human placenta extract. Produced in vials in the form of a lotion. Has a specific smell. Promotes the formation of melanin in vitiligo. The lotion is applied to the skin, which is subsequently exposed to ultraviolet rays. If the treatment is carried out correctly, the damaged vitiligo areas first turn red, then darken.